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Former Ireland captain Paul O\u2019Connell has joined his country\u2019s coaching team ahead of the Guinness Six Nations.<\/p>\nFormer Ireland captain Paul O\u2019Connell has joined his country\u2019s coaching team ahead of the Guinness Six Nations.<\/p>\n
The 41-year-old, who was capped 108 times and played at four World Cups, will take on the role of forwards coach, with fellow coach Simon Easterby switching focus to defense.<\/p>\n
O\u2019Connell\u2019s distinguished playing career also included seven Test match appearances for the British and Irish Lions across three tours, plus two Heineken Cup titles with Munster.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am really looking forward to working with Andy (Farrell, head coach) and the rest of the coaching group,\u201d he told the Irish Rugby Football Union website.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s an exciting young group of players to be involved with and there are talented forwards coming through across the four provinces that will no doubt be pushing for international selection in the coming months and years.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ireland are scheduled to begin this year\u2019s Six Nations against Wales in Cardiff on February 7.<\/p>\n
Since retiring from playing in 2015, O\u2019Connell has held coaching positions with the Munster Academy, Ireland Under-20s and French club Stade Francais.<\/p>\n
Head coach Farrell said: \u201cPaul brings a wealth of rugby knowledge with him.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe will also be another strong voice and leader within the group.<\/p>\n
\u201cSimon (Easterby) has a real passion for defense and having developed Ireland\u2019s forward play over the past six years with the additional responsibility for the defense over the past 12 months, he will now be able to focus his energy and rugby intellect on this area of our game.\u201d<\/p>\n